Capital of Mozambique: Things to see and do in Maputo?

The capital of Mozambique is known for its Portuguese colonial architecture and the contrast it creates with the city’s more modern buildings. The city has tree-lined avenues and bustling markets that reflect its rich cultural heritage, but one of the most important areas is the port, a vital center of commerce, connecting Mozambique to the rest of the world. And that’s not all there is to see in Maputo!

The city is also famous for its culinary scene, with a wide variety of fresh seafood and local dishes. In addition, Maputo hosts numerous cultural events and festivals. Below we review all the points of interest to see in Maputo and give you many other travel tips to help you organize your vacation.

What are the best places to see in Maputo?

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

1. Maputo Cathedral

Maputo Cathedral, known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, is an impressive example of modern architecture. It was inaugurated in 1944 and its design is notable for its simple lines and tall central tower, visible from much of the city.

It is located in the centrally located Independence Square and the cathedral is an active place of worship and a historical landmark. Admission is free, but a donation is suggested for the upkeep of the building. Inside you can enjoy admiring its stained glass windows.

2. FEIMA, the local handicraft fair

FEIMA is a craft fair ideal for buying souvenirs and learning about local traditions. The venue is located outdoors in the Parque dos Continuadores and offers a wide variety of local handicrafts, fresh flowers and gastronomic delights. It’s the perfect place to shop for batiks, wood carvings and woven baskets.

Prices are affordable, ranging from 500 MZN for batiks to 200 MZN for street food. The fair is open daily between 8:00 and 17:00, except on weekends when it opens a couple of hours longer.

3. Maputo Fortress

The Maputo Fortress is one of the main historical attractions of the city. Built by the Portuguese in the 18th century, it offers a glimpse into Mozambique’s colonial past. Inside, you can see ancient cannons, statues and a small museum with cultural exhibits.

The entrance fee is costing 10 meticais and 5 for children (less than 1 euro), making it an affordable and educational visit for those interested in local history and culture. The fortress is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sundays.

4. Maputo Central Railway Station

Maputo Central Railway Station, opened in 1910, is an iconic colonial building designed by Gustave Eiffel. With an impressive marble and iron facade, it is considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world.

In addition to its architecture, the station houses a small railway museum with free admission and occasionally hosts cultural events such as the Marrabenta Festival. During this event, the trains are filled with performers who entertain passengers with their performances.

5. Tunduru Garden

Located in the heart of Maputo, this oasis of tranquility and natural beauty was designed by British landscape designer Thomas Honney in 1885, and offers an escape from the urban bustle with its paths, ponds and a variety of exotic plants. It is a perfect place to stroll, relax and enjoy serenity in the middle of the city. It also houses a tennis court and a statue in honor of Mozambique’s first president, Samora Machel. Admission to the garden is free and it is always open to the public.

What to see around Maputo?

1. Maputo Elephant Reserve

Just 79 kilometers south of Maputo, the Maputo Elephant Reserve is a haven for wildlife, especially known for its elephant population. The reserve, which covers more than 70,000 hectares, also hosts hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds.

You can visit the area with a 4X4 safari. Entrance to the reserve costs about €10 per person, and to that you have to add the price of the guided tour, which is around €150.

2. Inhaca Island

Inhaca Island, located about 40 kilometers east of Maputo, boastsbeautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and rich marine biodiversity, ideal for diving and snorkeling. In addition, visitors can explore the mangroves and the Inhaca Marine Reserve, home to a variety of bird and other species.

The boat trip from Maputo to Inhaca costs around €20 to €30 per person. It is usual to spend the day on the island, and although there is a beach bar, many people opt to take their food with them.

What to see in 3 days in Maputo?

To explore Maputo and enjoy its main attractions it is recommended to dedicate at least two or three days. During this time, in addition to getting to know the city, you can make some excursions in the surrounding area. Here is a suggested itinerary:

First day:

• Visit the Maputo Central Railway Station and the Maputo Cathedral.
• Then, explore the Maputo Fortress and the Museum of Natural History.
• Walk through the Tunduru Garden and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
• Then, visit the Municipal Market to get a taste of local life and sample fresh produce.

Second day:

• Dedicate time to explore the FEIMA (Feira de Artesanato, Flores e Gastronomia) to buy local handicrafts and enjoy the gastronomy.
• Visit the Casa de Ferro and then head to the Franco-Mozambican Cultural Center to enjoy exhibitions and cultural events.

Third day:

• Take an excursion to Inhaca Island or the Maputo Elephant Reserve.

Where and what to eat in Maputo?

Maputo’s cuisine reflects the rich cultural diversity of Mozambique, combining African, Portuguese and Indian influences. Among the most typical ingredients are coconut, peanuts, fresh seafood, rice, and a variety of tropical fruits, and dishes are often colorful and seasoned with local herbs and spices, most notably the use of piri-piri pepper which adds a distinctive spicy kick.

You will see that in the city there is a great offer with international options, but our recommendation is that you dare to eat in traditional restaurants, where you can try typical dishes such as Matapa, Peri-peri chicken, Camarão grelhado, Chamussas or Pãozinho. Here are some of our favorite restaurants:

• Piri-piri: this Maputo landmark restaurant is famous for its delicious piri-piri chicken. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, ideal for enjoying an authentic Mozambican culinary experience. The average price for a meal is around €20-30 per person.
• Txhapo Txhapo: a charming restaurant-cafeteria known for its veggie burgers and comfort food. It is perfect for a casual lunch or a snack. The atmosphere is relaxed and cozy, and prices range from €10-15 per person.
• Fish market: this restaurant located in Maputo is specialized in fresh fish and seafood cooked to the customer’s taste, with an average price of 15-30€ per person.

Where to stay in Maputo?

Accommodation in Maputo, as in the rest of the country, is not cheap, but if you look ahead of time you can find good value options. The most common is to stay in the center, around the most touristic areas. Here’s a list of some of the best areas:

• Polana: this is one of Maputo’s most exclusive and safe neighborhoods, known for its high-end hotels and upscale restaurants. Accommodations here tend to be more expensive, reflecting its prime location and high-end amenities.
• Baixa: located in the center of the city, Baixa is ideal for those who want to be close to the main tourist spots. More affordable hotels and hostels can be found here, although the atmosphere can be more bustling and less luxurious than Polana.
• Sommerschield: this residential neighborhood offers a mix of boutique hotels and charming guesthouses, generally at moderate prices. It is a popular choice among travelers seeking tranquility and comfort.

On our travels we have had the opportunity to stay at these hotels:

• Polana Serena Hotel: luxurious 5-star colonial-style hotel with sea views, spa, gym and two swimming pools. Average price: 255€ per night with breakfast included.
• StayEasy Maputo: moderately priced beachfront hotel with outdoor pool, restaurant and free WiFi. Average price: 92€ per night with breakfast.
• WL Hotel Maputo City Centre Mozambique Collection: offers rooms with balcony, air conditioning and free WiFi. It features a restaurant, gym and airport shuttle service. Average price: €47 per night

How to get to Maputo?

Maputo International Airport (MPM) is the country’s main airport, with direct international flights from several African, European and Middle Eastern destinations. Some of the airlines operating here include South African Airways, TAP Air Portugal and Qatar Airways. From Europe, it is most common to fly from Portugal.

It is also possible to reach Maputo from neighboring countries such as South Africa and Swaziland via main roads. From Johannesburg, the most common route is to take the N4 until you reach the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border, and from there continue on the EN4 to Maputo. Please note that these routes can only be done with your own car, as it is not allowed in these countries to cross borders with rental cars. In this case, it is best to travel by bus.

There are several bus companies operating routes to Maputo from cities in Mozambique and neighboring countries such as South Africa and Zimbabwe. Some of the companies that operate these services are Intercape and Greyhound.

To get to the city center from Maputo International Airport, you can take a cab, which costs around 700-1000 MZN (10-15 USD). The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Private transport services are also available and can be booked in advance.

And for getting around Maputo, public transport includes buses, tuk tuk , “chapas” (minibuses) and cabs. Buses and chapas are the cheapest option, with fares varying between 10-15 MZN (0.15-0.20 USD) per trip, although they can be very crowded and don’t always follow a fixed schedule. Cabs are more expensive, but offer greater comfort and safety, with fares negotiated before the trip begins.

What should I consider before traveling to Maputo?

• The currency in Mozambique is the Metical (MZN).
• It is recommended to carry cash, first to be able to pay the visa on arrival and secondly because ATMs are not plentiful.
• In Mozambique, type C, F and M plugs are used, with a voltage of 220V and frequency of 50Hz. Don’t forget to bring an adaptor.
• The official language is Portuguese, although in the more touristy places you’ll be able to communicate well in English.
• We recommend that you book flights and accommodation in advance, especially during the high season.
• Always carry your passport with you to avoid fines in Maputo for not having identification.
• Be careful with the badges, minivans that usually go at high speed.
• It is recommended to take malaria prophylaxis during your stay and use mosquito repellent.
• As in any tourist destination, it is wise to be attentive to your belongings, especially in crowded places and on public transportation, avoiding carrying visible valuables.
• Mozambique has a tropical climate with a dry season (May to October) and a wet season (November to April).
• Wear light clothing and sun protection for the heat, and waterproof clothing for the rainy season.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Maputo?

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so that they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you will be able to share your experience on how to plan your trip to Maputo.

If you have doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can consult our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Maputo